Shopify’s split shipments feature has transformed how merchants handle multi-item orders. When customers add products shipping from different locations or with varying availability to their cart, they now see transparent shipping options at checkout. This clarity reduces confusion and gives shoppers unprecedented control over their delivery preferences.
The feature automatically activates when orders include preorders, items from multiple warehouses, or products with different fulfillment timelines. Instead of forcing customers to place separate orders or deal with surprise delivery dates, Shopify splits shipments to present all shipping scenarios upfront.
Summary
- Customer Empowerment: Shoppers can choose different shipping methods for each shipment in their order, selecting economy shipping for one package and express for another
- Transparent Checkout: The system displays exactly how many shipments an order contains and the available shipping options for each package
- Automatic Activation: Split shipping triggers when orders include preorders, backorders, items from different locations, or subscription products
- Merchant Benefits: Reduces customer service inquiries by 30% on average while improving customer satisfaction scores
- Configuration Control: Merchants can enable or disable split shipping and customize how shipping costs are calculated across multiple packages
Understanding Shopify Split Shipments
Shopify split shipments represent a fundamental shift in how e-commerce platforms handle complex orders. When a customer’s cart contains items that cannot ship together, the platform intelligently divides the order into separate shipments rather than blocking the purchase or creating confusion.
When Split Shipments Trigger Automatically
This happens automatically in several key scenarios:
- Preorder items mixed with in-stock products – Available items ship immediately, while preorders ship on their release date
- Multiple warehouse locations – Orders pulling inventory from different fulfillment centers are split automatically
- Backorder situations – Out-of-stock items ship separately once restocked
- Subscription products with one-time purchases – Recurring items follow their schedule, while standard items ship right away
- Special handling requirements – Oversized or custom items that need different shipping methods
The Customer Checkout Experience
The checkout experience presents this information clearly. Customers see a shipping method section that displays the total number of shipments. Each shipment shows available delivery options with associated costs. Shoppers can mix and match shipping speeds, choosing standard delivery for non-urgent items and expedited shipping for time-sensitive purchases.
For merchants operating multiple fulfillment centers, this functionality becomes particularly valuable. Products stored in different locations no longer require manual order splitting or complicated backend processes. The platform handles everything automatically while maintaining cost transparency for customers.
How Shopify Split Order Into Two Shipments Works
The process begins when Shopify’s order routing system evaluates cart contents against inventory locations and product availability. When items cannot ship together, the platform creates separate fulfillment orders automatically.
At checkout, customers see the shipping method section displaying multiple shipment details. The interface groups available shipping methods into logical options like “lowest price” or “earliest delivery.” Customers can also select custom shipping methods for each shipment independently.
The system calculates shipping costs proportionally. If an order qualifies for free shipping based on cart value, that benefit typically applies to all shipments. After purchase, customers receive separate tracking information for each shipment with distinct tracking numbers and expected delivery dates.
Benefits of Split Shipments Shopify for Merchants
Implementing split shipments delivers measurable advantages across multiple business operations. Customer satisfaction scores typically increase by 15-25% when shoppers gain shipping control, while support tickets decrease by 30-40% as customers understand upfront that orders ship in multiple packages.
Inventory management becomes more flexible. Merchants can fulfill orders immediately with available stock rather than waiting for all items to arrive. This approach improves cash flow by completing sales faster and enables stores to offer mixed inventory models.
The feature supports strategic inventory distribution across multiple warehouses, allowing stores to ship from locations nearest to customers. This reduces both shipping costs and delivery times while providing backup inventory options. Customer retention improves as shoppers appreciate the transparency and control over their shipping preferences.
Setting Up Split Shipments in Your Shopify Store
Configuring split shipments requires accessing your Shopify admin panel. Navigate to Settings, then Checkout. Look for the “Split shipping in checkout” option within the shipping settings section.
Initial Configuration Steps
For new stores created after Summer 2024, this feature may already be enabled by default. Older stores need to manually activate it. Toggle the switch to allow split shipping in checkout.
Before activation, ensure your inventory locations are correctly configured:
- Verify warehouse addresses – Go to Settings > Locations to confirm all fulfillment center details
- Check stock quantities – Ensure accurate inventory counts for each location
- Review shipping zones – Navigate to Settings > Shipping and delivery to verify rate configurations
- Configure location groups – Orders from locations in the same group may show combined shipping charges
Testing and Communication
Test the checkout experience thoroughly. Add items from different locations to your cart and proceed to checkout. Verify that the split shipping interface displays correctly and shipping costs are calculated as expected.
Update your shipping policies and FAQs. Customers should understand when and why orders are split into multiple shipments. Clear communication prevents confusion and reduces support inquiries.
Common Split Shipping Scenarios and Solutions
Mixed cart orders containing in-stock and preorder items create the most common split shipping scenario. In-stock products ship immediately while preordered items ship on their release date, with customers seeing two separate shipments at checkout.
Orders from different fulfillment locations trigger another frequent scenario. When items are stored at multiple warehouses, the order automatically splits. The system typically uses the “minimize split fulfillment” routing rule to prioritize locations that can fulfill more items together.
Backorder situations benefit from split shipping functionality, allowing customers to complete a single transaction for both available and temporarily out-of-stock items. Subscription products mixed with one-time purchases also require split shipments, with recurring items following their scheduled delivery dates.
For merchants, managing partial fulfillments is streamlined through the Shopify admin. Navigate to Orders, select an order with multiple shipments, and the Unfulfilled section shows items grouped by shipment for independent fulfillment.
Optimizing Shipping Costs with Split Orders
Managing shipping expenses across split orders requires strategic planning. The default setting selects the lowest total shipping cost across all shipments, but merchants can customize this behavior.
Consider implementing tiered free shipping thresholds that apply per shipment, encouraging customers to add more items from each location. Location-based routing optimization reduces shipping distances by prioritizing warehouses nearest to customers.
Transparent cost communication prevents cart abandonment. Display estimated shipping costs early in the checkout flow so customers make informed decisions. Partner with carriers offering flat-rate or zone-based pricing for predictable costs across complex orders.
Monitor split shipment data regularly through Shopify’s analytics to identify optimization opportunities like relocating inventory or adjusting product bundling strategies.
Best Practices for Managing Shopify Split Order Into Two Shipments
Clear Product Communication
Communication excellence prevents split shipment confusion. Update your product pages with clear availability information:
- Display fulfillment timelines – Use tags like “Ships in 2-3 weeks” or “Ships from [Location].”
- Show warehouse locations – Indicate which facility stocks each product
- Highlight preorder status – Clearly mark items available for preorder with expected ship dates
- Update inventory visibility – Show real-time stock status across all locations
Workflow Automation and Efficiency
Automate fulfillment workflows where possible. Configure Shopify Flow to trigger actions when orders split. Create workflows that automatically notify warehouse teams about which items require immediate shipment versus delayed fulfillment.
Maintain accurate inventory counts across all locations. Regular inventory audits prevent overselling and reduce split shipments caused by stock discrepancies. Use inventory management apps that sync real-time stock levels across multiple warehouses.
Team Training and Support
Train customer service teams on split shipment scenarios. Representatives should quickly access order details showing which items shipped and which remain pending. This knowledge enables them to provide accurate delivery updates without escalating inquiries.
Monitor app compatibility. Some third-party fulfillment apps don’t fully support split shipping in checkout. Test critical apps after enabling split shipments to ensure smooth operations.
Track performance metrics specific to split orders. Measure delivery times, customer satisfaction scores, and support ticket volumes for split versus standard orders. Use these insights to refine your fulfillment strategy continuously.
Avoiding Common Split Shipment Mistakes
Configuration Errors to Avoid
Many merchants disable split shipping without understanding its benefits. This decision forces customers into frustrating checkout experiences when they cannot buy preorders alongside in-stock items. Before disabling, evaluate whether the feature actually causes problems or simply requires better configuration.
Common configuration mistakes include:
- Unclear product descriptions – Customers don’t know items ship from different locations
- Inconsistent shipping policies – Confusing rules about when free shipping applies
- Poor mobile optimization – Split shipping interface doesn’t work properly on smartphones
- Overcomplicated location structures – Too many fulfillment locations create excessive order splits
- Neglected carrier integrations – Shipping carriers not properly configured for multiple packages
Communication and Customer Education
Unclear product descriptions create unnecessary support burden. When customers don’t know items ship from different locations or have different availability dates, they contact support after ordering. Prevent this by displaying fulfillment information prominently on product pages.
Inconsistent shipping policies confuse customers. If some products qualify for free shipping individually but not when combined with items from other locations, state this explicitly. Ambiguous policies lead to checkout abandonment and negative reviews.
Ongoing Optimization
Ignoring customer feedback misses optimization opportunities. Pay attention to support tickets and reviews mentioning shipping confusion or dissatisfaction. These insights reveal where your split shipment communication needs improvement.
Failing to update shipping carriers about multiple package orders can delay fulfillment. Ensure your carrier integrations properly handle split shipments and generate correct shipping labels for each package.
Integrating Split Shipments with Your Fulfillment Strategy
Align the split shipping configuration with your warehouse operations. If you use third-party logistics providers (3PLs), confirm they support split order fulfillment before enabling the feature. Most modern 3PLs integrate seamlessly with Shopify’s split shipping.
Consider implementing an order management system (OMS) for complex operations. OMS platforms provide advanced routing logic, helping determine optimal fulfillment locations for split orders. They can factor in inventory availability, shipping costs, and delivery timeframes simultaneously.
Coordinate with your shipping carriers about volume expectations. Split shipments often mean more packages leaving your facilities. Discuss bulk rates and pickup schedules that accommodate increased shipping volume.
Use apps designed for split order management. Several Shopify apps, including Split Order by Mercantile Apps, offer advanced rules for automatically splitting orders based on product attributes, vendors, or custom criteria.
Integrate split shipping data with your inventory planning. Understanding which products frequently ship separately helps optimize future purchasing and warehouse allocation decisions. Stock complementary products together to reduce unnecessary splits.
Build split shipment handling into your returns process. Clear policies about returning items from split orders prevent confusion. Specify whether customers can return individual shipments or need to return the entire order together.
Technical Considerations for Split Shipping Implementation
API and Platform Limitations
API limitations affect custom implementations. If you use custom checkout modifications or headless commerce architectures, verify that your setup supports split shipping. The feature works natively with Shopify’s standard checkout but may require additional development for customized experiences.
Key technical limitations to consider:
- Accelerated checkouts – Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay buttons bypass split shipping interface
- Draft orders – Orders with preset shipping lines cannot use split shipping
- Location groups – Single groups show combined charges; multiple groups show separate charges
- Third-party rate calculators – May not properly account for multiple fulfillment locations
- Theme compatibility – Older or customized themes might need updates for proper display
Integration Requirements
Third-party shipping rate calculators may not account for split shipments. Ensure any apps providing real-time carrier rates properly handle multiple fulfillment locations. Test thoroughly before relying on these integrations in production.
Theme compatibility varies. Most modern Shopify themes support split shipping by default. Older or highly customized themes might need updates to properly display the split shipping interface. Work with a Shopify development expert if you encounter display issues.
Measuring Split Shipment Performance
Key Metrics to Monitor
Track key metrics to evaluate split shipping effectiveness. Monitor your split shipment rate—the percentage of orders that ship in multiple packages. Establishing a baseline helps identify whether changes to product stocking or fulfillment locations reduce unnecessary splits.
Essential performance indicators include:
- Split shipment rate – Percentage of orders requiring multiple packages
- Shipping cost per order – Compare split versus standard order expenses
- Customer satisfaction scores – Target surveys to customers receiving split shipments
- Average delivery times – Track whether split orders take longer to complete
- Support ticket volume – Monitor shipping-related inquiries and trends
Data-Driven Optimization
Analyze shipping cost per order for split versus standard orders. This comparison reveals whether split shipments significantly impact your bottom line. If costs spike dramatically, investigate routing optimizations or inventory consolidation opportunities.
Evaluate delivery times across both shipment types. Split orders might have longer average delivery times if some items ship from distant locations. Use this data to optimize your warehouse network and inventory distribution strategy.
Review support ticket volumes related to split shipments. Declining inquiry rates indicate customers understand and appreciate the feature. Increasing tickets suggest communication improvements are needed.
Monitor cart abandonment rates before and after enabling split shipments. The feature should reduce abandonment for orders containing items with different availability. If abandonment increases, examine your shipping cost communication and checkout flow.
Industry-Specific Split Shipping Applications
Fashion retailers benefit from selling both in-season and preorder collections together, allowing customers to complete full looks in a single transaction. Electronics merchants use split shipping for product bundles when laptops ship from one warehouse while accessories ship from another.
Home goods stores manage bulky furniture requiring freight delivery alongside smaller decor items shipped via standard parcel service. Subscription box businesses combine one-time add-ons with recurring deliveries, and wholesale B2B merchants fulfill large orders as products become available from multiple distribution centers.
Key Takeaways
- Split shipments automatically activate when orders contain items from different locations, preorders, or products with varying availability dates.
- Customers gain complete control over shipping methods for each package, choosing economy delivery for some items and express shipping for others.
- Merchants see 30-40% fewer shipping-related support tickets after enabling split shipments due to increased transparency.
- Proper configuration requires accurate inventory locations, shipping zones, and clear communication on product pages.
- The feature integrates with most fulfillment workflows but requires verification for custom checkouts and third-party apps.
Conclusion
Shopify split shipments represent a significant advancement in e-commerce checkout functionality. The feature balances merchant operational needs with customer expectations for flexibility and transparency. By automatically handling complex fulfillment scenarios, split shipments reduce friction in the buying process while maintaining profitability.
Success with Shopify split shipments depends on proper configuration, clear communication, and ongoing optimization. Merchants who embrace this feature find that customers appreciate the control and transparency it provides. The result is improved satisfaction scores, reduced support burden, and increased revenue from orders that previously required multiple transactions.
Ready to optimize your Shopify store’s fulfillment strategy? Our team of Shopify experts can help you configure split shipments, integrate advanced fulfillment tools, and create seamless checkout experiences that drive conversions. Contact us today to discuss your unique requirements.
FAQs
Can I Disable Split Shipping for Specific Products?
Currently, Shopify doesn’t offer product-level control over split shipping. The feature operates store-wide based on inventory location and product availability. However, you can use order routing rules to minimize splits by prioritizing locations that stock multiple items together.
How Does Split Shipping Affect My Free Shipping Promotions?
Free shipping typically applies to the total order value before splitting. If your promotion offers free shipping on orders over $50, a $60 order split into two shipments usually remains free. However, promotions structured per shipment rather than per order may behave differently.
Will Customers See Separate Charges for Each Split Shipment?
Not necessarily. Shipping costs depend on your location group configuration. Shipments from locations within the same group show one combined charge. Shipments from different location groups display separate charges for each package.
What Happens If a Customer Returns One Item From a Split Order?
Returns process normally regardless of split shipments. Customers can return individual items without returning the entire order. Your standard return policy applies to each item independently.
Can I Manually Split Orders After Customers Place Them?
Yes. In your Shopify admin, navigate to the order and use the fulfillment hold feature to split shipments manually. Select which items to hold back, and they’ll remain unfulfilled while you ship the rest.
Does Split Shipping Work With Shopify POS for In-Person Orders?
Split shipping primarily benefits online checkout experiences. For POS transactions, you typically fulfill orders from the current location. However, you can create draft orders in POS that customers complete online, where split shipping would then apply.
